Most of Upper Orakzai is in Taliban hands and is the scene of frequent clashes between security forces and militants.— File Photo by Reuters

PESHAWAR: At least 51 militants and four soldiers have been killed in air strikes and clashes with Pakistani security forces in the restive northwest over the past week, officials said Sunday.

On Sunday, Pakistani planes bombed the tribal belt bordering Afghanistan, killing 26 militants, a senior paramilitary official told AFP.

“Pakistani jet strikes today killed 26 militants and wounded 15 others and destroyed their seven hide outs in different areas of Upper Orakzai and Kurram (tribal districts),” the official said.

Most of Upper Orakzai is in Taliban hands and is the scene of frequent clashes between security forces and militants.

Separately, at least 25 militants and four soldiers were killed in Bara, a restive town in Khyber tribal district in gunfights between March 12 and Sunday, the official said.

“Four security forces personnel embraced martyrdom and 12 others were wounded in gunfights which left 25 militants dead,” he said.